Posted by Mark Zemmin on January 18, 2011 at 3:26 PM
I have a photography friend coming over from the Ukraine the last week of March (25th-30th) and he was asking about what kind of conditions he might expect in YNP during that timeframe. He was interested in shooting rivers, waterfalls and mountains. He has about 3 days to shoot before he meets up with some fellow countrymen in Seattle.
March in Yosemite Valley will be very nice. The waterfalls and the Merced River should be going nicely. Snow is possible, but rain is more likely. The meadows will most likely be brown, but may start to green up if the weather has been warm. With the goofy weather we've had in the Sierra this year, making any kind of definitive forecast is a crap shoot.
Access to the higher country (Tuolumne Meadows) won't happen that early, so photographing the high peaks from close in will not be possible. However, the big walls in The Valley should more than satisfy his urge!
Your friend can easily fill three days of shooting in the Valley and along the Merced between the town of Mariposa and the park boundary. There may be early flowers in the canyon.
--P
Posted by Lon Overacker on January 18, 2011 at 8:34 PM
Mark,
A few add on thoughts to Preston's comments. You may or may not get snow, but the falls should be flowing pretty nicely. The only thing missing will be spring. The dogwoods, big leaf maple and most certainly the black oak will NOT be showing leaves yet.
However, I highly recommend taking the Highway 140 route to the park through Mariposa and Arch Rock entrance. The Merced River Canyon is a destination by itself and I highly recommend it. In fact, if memory serves correct, the Redbud should be in some stage of bloom and wildflowers should be present as well.
Just re-read Preston's comments - I think I repeated them almost word for word.
Additionally, if things along the river's edge or rivers is high on the list, I would recommend the short hike to Happy Isles as well as the walk/hike to Mirror Lake that follows Tenaya creek.
Can't go wrong in Yosemite! They will have enough trouble picking which subjects to photograph.
Hope he has fun!
Lon
Posted by Frank Damon on January 19, 2011 at 1:43 AM
Mark:> You never go wrong in Yosemite during the winter and early spring months. Check on accommodations as I believe that is in the time frame for some schools in California being on Spring/easter break, which seems to happen for a month between mid March and Mid April culminating in Easter which is on April 20-ish this year. If there is snow, it may not be a huge one, but having said that with screwy weather in days of late, who knows? I was there last February, am am going again in late Feb this year. Last year had a great little snow one morning, turning to a bit of rain and the most glorious post-snow conditions or undulating fog. You can't take enough photos of this. So, go, no matter the weather and shoot away and have a great time.
Frank
Posted by Mark Zemmin on January 19, 2011 at 8:59 AM
Thanks every one. This is great information. I have bundled up all of your ideas and sent them to him.
Mark,
Preston and Lon described it well. Could be snowing, raining, or maybe even nice. But it will always be compelling, no matter what. Hope your friend has a great time. Best Regards.
Discussion
6 repliesMarch in Yosemite Valley will be very nice. The waterfalls and the Merced River should be going nicely. Snow is possible, but rain is more likely. The meadows will most likely be brown, but may start to green up if the weather has been warm. With the goofy weather we've had in the Sierra this year, making any kind of definitive forecast is a crap shoot.
Access to the higher country (Tuolumne Meadows) won't happen that early, so photographing the high peaks from close in will not be possible. However, the big walls in The Valley should more than satisfy his urge!
Your friend can easily fill three days of shooting in the Valley and along the Merced between the town of Mariposa and the park boundary. There may be early flowers in the canyon.
--P
A few add on thoughts to Preston's comments. You may or may not get snow, but the falls should be flowing pretty nicely. The only thing missing will be spring. The dogwoods, big leaf maple and most certainly the black oak will NOT be showing leaves yet.
However, I highly recommend taking the Highway 140 route to the park through Mariposa and Arch Rock entrance. The Merced River Canyon is a destination by itself and I highly recommend it. In fact, if memory serves correct, the Redbud should be in some stage of bloom and wildflowers should be present as well.
Just re-read Preston's comments - I think I repeated them almost word for word.
Additionally, if things along the river's edge or rivers is high on the list, I would recommend the short hike to Happy Isles as well as the walk/hike to Mirror Lake that follows Tenaya creek.
Can't go wrong in Yosemite! They will have enough trouble picking which subjects to photograph.
Hope he has fun!
Lon
Frank
Preston and Lon described it well. Could be snowing, raining, or maybe even nice. But it will always be compelling, no matter what. Hope your friend has a great time. Best Regards.
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